The Mata Memo
November 4, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
We hope that you all are having a fabulous week! We are winding down the final week of the first quarter. Next week will begin the 2nd quarter for students. If you plan to change the preference for learning from distance to face to face, please let us know as soon as possible. We are also gearing up for our recruitment season. If you or someone you know would like to join the Mata family next year, the application window opens November 7th. We will host our first preview night on November 11th. Please see below for more information.
As always, we appreciate you for your support of Eduardo Mata Montessori School!
Please read the memo carefully for information regarding:
- Calendar at a Glance
- Distance Learning/On Campus Learning Change
- Attendance and Engagement
- Returning to Campus November 9th
- After School Pick Up
- 21 Day Kids Healthy Snack Challenge
- Parade of Characters Video
- Science Fair
- Spelling Bee
- Books To Go
- Covid Dashboard
- And much, Much More!
We look forward to another great week of teaching and learning!
Tomeka Williams
Principal
Calendar at A Glance
11/7: Choose Dallas ISD
11/7: Mata Application Window Opens for Lottery
11/11: Mata Virtual Open House 5:00 PM
11/18: Mata Middle School Information Night 5:00 PM
11/23-11/27: Thanksgiving Holiday
Mata Montessori- Distance Learning /On-Campus Learning Model Change Request
IF YOU ARE CHANGING FROM VIRTUAL TO IN PERSON, PLEASE INFORM THE SCHOOL ASAP.
https://forms.gle/WGd6vG46BZ7twDqn6
“Cualquier padre o tutor legal que desee cambiar el modelo de aprendizaje de su hijo durante las segundas nueve semanas que comienzan el lunes 9 de noviembre de 2020, debe informar a la escuela del niño la semana del lunes 26 de octubre al viernes 30 de octubre. Notaremos el cambio en el modelo de aprendizaje y le proporcionaremos información la semana del lunes 2 de noviembre. Nos aseguramos de poder mantener todas las medidas de seguridad con la incorporación de estudiantes en el campus ".
Attendance and Engagement
All distance learning students should follow their course schedules to virtually attend classes throughout the regularly scheduled day. Students who are not present will be marked absent.
If you have a special situation that does not allow your student to attend classes, please reach out to the administration.
Teachers will be taking attendance during the instructional block. Specials teachers will also be zooming at the beginning of each lesson during the first 5 minutes. Please aim to join in on time. If you arrive late, please be patient as they allow your students into the class session. Each specials class is different, please reach out to that teacher if you have additional questions or concerns.
Interested in Learning about Mata Montessori?
Our 1st Preview Night will be Wednesday, November 11th from 5:00- 6:00 PM.
We will also hold an information session about Middle School, November 18th from 5:00-6:00 PM. Our current 6th-grade families are encouraged to attend.
The Zoom Link Is Below!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88304024405?pwd=aTJETG5RMzd3Q2pxUmhBTXRQRWN4UT09
Meeting ID: 883 0402 4405
Passcode: MataInfo
Mata's Storybook Character Parade
Please enjoy the slideshow and video below!
Character Parade: https://tinyurl.com/y6fo5ryq
Virtual Character Slideshow: https://tinyurl.com/yy46ne3l
Return to Campus November 9th
Make sure the school knows if your child is returning!
School Hours 7:45-3:15
- 1st- 6th Grade students may be dropped off at the main entrance. 1st-3rd grade students will report to the gym and 4th-6th will report to the auditorium between 7:15-7:30 AM. At 7:30 AM, all students arriving will report directly to class.
- Please drop off 7th and 8th Grade students at the entrance located on the front side of the campus parallel to Grand Ave nearest the cafeteria.
- Please drop off Pre-K-K students on the La Vista drive nearest the library.
- Students will report directly to their homeroom class.
- If you have multiple children, you may drop off at the site for the youngest child.
Please remember to send your child to school wearing a properly fitted mask, they will be expected to wear a mask while on campus. Students must wear uniforms (white, hunter green, or navy blue polo shirt and black, navy, or khaki bottoms.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, however, students may bring their lunch if they choose. Please send ready to eat meals. (A microwave will not be available for student use.)
After School Pick Up:
Pickup will be near the library doors on La Vista. You will be given a carpool sign to used at pick up daily. Please be patient with dismissal procedures and traffic, as we will be working to ensure the safety of all students. We will begin a staggered dismissal starting at 3:00 for our PreK-K students. 1st-3rd will join at 3:10. 4th-8th will dismiss at 3:15 PM. Students in 3rd-6th grade will be called down via walkie talkie, please be sure to have your sign with the child's and teacher's name visible.
If riding a bus, please send information regarding your child's bus stop and location to the teacher. Bus pick up is located on the main drive parallel to Grand. Please do not park in this driveway.
Car Pool Pick Up Logistics
All parents please ensure that you have a pickup placard card to show staff, as it makes the process faster.
Please be reminded not to park in places that say no parking, as you may be ticketed. We encourage riding busses and remaining in cars for efficiency, if possible.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility while under construction.
Please reach out to the main office if you have questions or concerns.
Los autobuses y las furgonetas de guardería utilizarán la unidad cerca de Grand Ave. La unidad en La vista se usará para todos los estudiantes PreK-3 - 7 th quienes están siendo recogidos por sus padres. Gire a la derecha desde Grand hacia LaVista Dr. para recoger. No bloquee las intersecciones o los cruces peatonales. Al salir, todos giren nuevamente a la derecha en Grand para mantener el flujo del tráfico. Recuerde giros a la derecha solo en todo el proceso. Intente utilizar el siguiente patrón de conducción:
odos los padres deben asegurarse de tener una tarjeta de identificación para mostrar al personal, ya que agiliza el proceso.
Estamos trabajando estrechamente con la policía y el DPD de Dallas ISD para analizar nuestros patrones de tráfico en busca de soluciones. Recuerde que no debe estacionar en lugares que dicen que no hay estacionamiento, ya que puede recibir una multa. Alentamos a viajar en autobuses y permanecer en los automóviles para mayor eficiencia, si es posible.
Agradecemos su paciencia y flexibilidad a medida que optimizamos nuestro nuevo plan mientras estamos en construcción.
Comuníquese con la oficina principal si tiene preguntas o inquietudes.
Kids Teaching Kids 21 Day Challenge!
Elementary School Students are invited to take the “Virtual 21-Day Challenge” November 2-22, 2020
The kids teaching kids® program offers children and their parents the knowledge and resources to change their eating habits for the better. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has more than tripled. Studies reveal that kids are snacking more frequently and research suggests that eating fruits and vegetables may help maintain a healthy body weight.
This is an after-school snacking challenge designed to help students create new, healthier snacking habits.
Online Registration October 19 - November 7, 2020
For additional information and to sign up for this program, please visit the department's 21 Day Challenge website at https://tinyurl.com/HPE-21 Dav-Website.
Timeline for the 2020 Virtual 21 -Day Challenge
Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 - Monday, Nov. 2, 2020: Parents register their students online
Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 - Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020: Students make and eat a healthy snack each day
Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 Monday, Dec. 14, 2020: Students/Parents complete the online survey
Books to Go!
Books-To-Go
We are happy to announce our new service to students: " Books-To-Go.". Books-To-Go is an opportunity for students and parents to request print books through the student's school library in an effort to support equitable access for all learner environments. Due to Covid-19, librarians want to be sure that students have access to print materials to enhance their academic learning, whether they are learning virtually or face-to-face. Dr. Douglas Fisher in his webinar stated that print is best for students who are focusing on dense or complex texts.
Students and parents of students may place requests or "holds" through the library online catalog, library.dallasisd.org
Steps include:
• Select the student's home campus in the online catalog on the sidebar. Place a "hold" on the item(s) needed.
• Use the tawk.to app on the school's library webpage or other library contact information on the school's library webpage to make arrangements with the librarian about pick-up date and time.
• Our book pick up time is Fridays from 1:30-3:30 PM. Please email Ms. Thompson at Shanthompson@dallasisd.org for questions.
Construction Update
Construction for Mata is still underway!
Check out some of the latest updates to construction!
Display case with lighting on 2nd floor of addition
Kitchen with floor tile, lighting and ceiling tile
Office for Instructional Coach on 3rd floor of addition
The safety of our students and staff remains our first priority. Contact tracing occurs and if anyone is identified as a close contact, they will be notified by the school and required to quarantine.To learn about the positive cases at Mata or in the district, you may visit the dashboard which is updated daily at 5 PM. COVID Dashboard
We remain committed to following extensive safety protocols, which include social distancing in classrooms, hallways, offices, and elevators; masks are required for every staff member and student throughout the day; hand washing practices are regular parts of everyone’s day; thorough cleanings are scheduled; and contact tracing measures are in place and being followed.
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Mata Montessori School's Vision and Mission
Vision Statement: To provide an academic foundation which allows our students to be successful life-long learners.
Mission Statement: To provide an authentic Montessori education by focusing on educating the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally for all children.
Mata Montessori School's Key Actions
- Maintain a climate and culture that fosters academic excellence.
- Improve quality of instruction and student achievement through an aligned Montessori curriculum.
- Actively engage parents in education in meaningful and relevant ways.
Eduardo Mata Montessori School
Email: matamontessori@dallasisd.org
Website: http://www.dallasisd.org/Page/2376
Location: 7420 La Vista Drive, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: (972)749-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MataMontessori/?fref=ts
Twitter: @mata_school